About 24 hours late in the news cycle, but in case you have not heard – The Rochester Americans signed veteran Mike York to a one year AHL deal on Wednesday adding another element to an already improved roster. York was ranked 15th in the assists category in the AHL during the 08/09 season with a total of 47. He also had 11 goals and lead the Syracuse Crunch team with a total of 58 points in 75 games.

“It’s a great day for Amerks Hockey,” said Amerks VP of Hockey Operations Ted Nolan. “To get a player of Mike’s caliber will help some of the younger guys develop their skills and help us win some hockey games.”

Crunch fans from last season seem to be divided about York. Some think he was invisible for much of the year, others understand the role he played as the teams leader in points. I’ll side with those who understood the role he played with the team.

Over his 10-year career, he has played in 579 NHL games with the New York Rangers, Edmonton Oilers, New York Islanders, Philadelphia Flyers, Phoenix Coyotes and Columbus, compiling 127 goals, 195 assists and 135 penalty minutes.

York has played in 709 professional games in his career and compiled 156 goals, 290 assists and 242 penalty minutes. He was originally selected by the Rangers in the sixth round (136th overall) of the 1997 NHL Entry Draft. His most productive season, however, was in 2001-02 when he tallied 61 points (20+41) in 81 games with the Rangers and Edmonton and was named to the North American All-Star team. York also earned a silver medal as a member of Team USA at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.

The Waterford, Michigan, native played four seasons at Michigan State University (CCHA) before turning pro, notching 79 goals, 122 assists and 141 penalty minutes in 158 games. He was a Hobey Baker Memorial Award finalist and an NCAA West First All-American in 1998 and 1999 and was the CCHA Player of the Year in 1999.

York will be a guest on the Bob Matthews Show on Friday, August 21st 2009 at 6:35 p.m. on WHAM 1180-AM and wham1180.com